Laser converters transmit power to remote locations with 53% efficiency

Researchers at the University of Ottawa, in collaboration with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, have developed advanced laser power converters capable of transmitting electrical power to remote locations via optical fibers with over 53% efficiency, producing more than 2 volts at their maximum power point. These photonic power converters, which convert laser light into electricity, utilize a multi-junction design that stacks semiconductor junctions to absorb more light and achieve higher voltages and efficiencies. This innovation significantly improves power and data transmission over distances exceeding one kilometer, overcoming limitations of traditional power-over-fiber systems that suffer from high light loss and low efficiency. The technology operates at telecom infrared wavelengths (1.3–1.6 μm) that experience low attenuation in fiber optics, enabling longer transmission distances and integration into existing fiber infrastructure. This advancement promises to enhance connectivity and communication reliability in remote and harsh environments, benefiting applications such as smart grid monitoring, lightning-proof wind turbine sensors, underwater sensors, and remote video camera links. The researchers also